UNITE was established to bring together groups of investigators, trainees, colleges, and research groups with a focus on impactful research. The overall goal of the UNITE Research Priority Area is to elevate research at the University of Kentucky by leveraging existing strengths and forging new relationships. 

The UNITE RPA finds it critical to develop, engage, and promote research to impact change. UNITE also seeks to foster mutually beneficial relationships between the university, faculty researchers, and other communities. The UNITE RPA is committed to designing and supporting research-focused programs that engage communities, students, and faculty.

_{Note: Awarded projects for this thematic area are not mutually exclusive and are based on keyword analysis. Projects may be represented in one or more areas.}

UNITE is synergizing impactful research and scholarship in the Commonwealth and beyond. This is achieved by fostering new and existing collaborations with multiple relevant, but distinct centers and institutes on campus.

The UNITE RPA is designed to support research and scholarship that:

• Develops innovative solutions and establishes best practices focused on recruitment and retention of faculty, staff, and students.
• Focuses on disparities and social justice that will result in impactful scholarly outputs and extramural funding for sustainability.

The UNITE Research Priority Area is governed by the following core values:

• Collaboration and collegiality

• Excellence and innovation